I have a diagnosed medical disorder.
I have to take medication daily
or run the risk of a heart attack or stroke
within 36 hours of missing that dose.
I have taken 'extras' in case I'm out of money
or in case I drop the pill bottle in the toilet or lose them
to keep me alive when my meds run out.
My 'stash'.
I live alone, so I don't have to hide anything.
I have known diabetics try and freeze their insulin
in case something happens
so they have extra in case of emergency.
An alcoholic hiding their booze is very similar,
there's the psychological shame models of course
but there's also that terror of 'running out'
alcoholism is a physical addiction after time.
Sudden withdrawal from alcohol
can cause convulsions, hemmorage,(-sp)
and heart failure.
You know - death.
Besides the guilt blame and shame aspect
there's this other as well.
Just throwing it into the mix.
An alcoholic in their disease
doesn't know any difference
between life giving medication
and alcohol.